Republican State Senator Rocky De Witt passed away on June 25 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2022, representing most of Sioux City in Senate district 1. Before that, he served for six years as a Woodbury County supervisor.
De Witt was passionate about gun rights; he was a federally licensed gun dealer and a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. He also believed strongly in keeping taxes low. His most high-profile moment as a state lawmaker was leading this year’s effort to pass a state constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote in the Iowa legislature to raise income or corporate taxes (but not sales or use taxes).
Here’s the video of De Witt’s closing remarks in support of Senate Joint Resolution 11 on April 15. He posted on Facebook the following day that floor managing the constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority to raise taxes was “one of the most rewarding opportunities of my career in the legislature.”
Both chambers approved that constitutional amendment in the previous legislature. Assuming the Iowa House passes Senate Joint Resolution 11 during next year’s legislative session, the amendment will appear on the 2026 general election ballot. If approved by a majority of Iowa voters, that language will be added to the state constitution.
De Witt was one of twelve Senate Republicans who vowed not to vote for any state budget bills until the chamber took up a House-approved bill limiting eminent domain for pipelines. However, after the GOP holdouts forced Senate leaders to bring House File 639 to the floor, De Witt voted against final passage of the bill.
Many colleagues and political figures paid tribute to De Witt in statements released on June 25, which I have enclosed below.
Governor Kim Reynolds will soon set a special election date for later this summer in Iowa Senate district 1, covering much of Sioux City in Woodbury County.
Statement published on the De Witt for Iowa Senate Facebook page:
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF STATE SENATOR ROCKY DE WITT
We regret to share news of the passing of The Honorable Rocky L. De Witt, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Rocky De Witt served Woodbury County in two notable public roles: First, he emerged victorious out of a field of several candidates for the Republican nomination for Woodbury County Supervisor in 2016, going on to win the seat on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. During his term-and-a-half, he served as Board Chairman. After the State of Iowa’s latest redistricting De Witt sought the Iowa Senate District 1 seat, defeating a long-standing incumbent for the right to serve the people of Sioux City and Lawton.
“The two positions Rocky held were honors that he did not take for granted. Rocky understood that he was a caretaker of the two seats that he was elected to, and that they ultimately belong to Iowans. I consider myself blessed to have been part of Rocky’s family, and my opportunity to walk with him through the difficulties and triumphs of public service,” said Kolby DeWitt, nephew of Rocky De Witt.
“I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Rocky De Witt. Rocky was a fighter, true winner, and a fierce defender for the Second Amendment as a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. As Rocky’s campaign treasurer, he was a true steward of all donations. Rocky didn’t lead by popular opinion alone, but by great example,” said De Witt for Senate campaign Treasurer Jake Jungers.
Rocky’s commitment to responsible and limited government was capped by the Constitutional Amendment he managed in the twilight of his public service, which requires that super majorities of the legislative chambers to approve any future increases in the individual income tax or the state’s corporate tax. The title of this measure is Two-Thirds Legislative Vote Requirement for Income Tax Increase Bills Amendment, and people of Iowa will vote on this Constitutional Amendment in the General Election to be held on November 3rd, 2026.
Statement from the Woodbury County GOP:
SIOUX CITY, IOWA: The Woodbury GOP regrets to share news of the passing of one of our leaders, The Honorable Rocky L. De Witt, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Rocky De Witt served Woodbury County in two notable public roles: First, he emerged victorious out of a field of several candidates for the Republican nomination for Woodbury County Supervisor in 2016, going on to win the seat on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. During his term-and-a-half, he served as Board Chairman. After the State of Iowa’s latest redistricting De Witt sought the Iowa Senate District 1 seat, defeating a long-standing incumbent for the right to serve the people of Sioux City and Lawton.
“The two positions Rocky held were honors that he did not take for granted. Rocky understood that he was a caretaker of the two seats that he was elected to, and that they ultimately belong to Iowans. I consider myself blessed to have been part of Rocky’s family, and my opportunity to walk with him through the difficulties and triumphs of public service,” said Kolby DeWitt, nephew of Rocky De Witt and Secretary of the Woodbury GOP.
Rocky’s commitment to responsible and limited government was capped by the Constitutional Amendment he managed in the twilight of his public service, which requires that super majorities of the legislative chambers to approve any future increases in the individual income tax or the state’s corporate tax. The title of this measure is Two-Thirds Legislative Vote Requirement for Income Tax Increase Bills Amendment, and people of Iowa will vote on this Constitutional Amendment in the General Election to be held on November 3rd, 2026.
“In the world in which we live, it is becoming ever rarer to encounter someone who conducts themselves with little or no pretense. Rocky DeWitt was one of those rare individuals,” reflected Woodbury GOP Chairman Bob Henderson. He continued: “I found him to be someone who went about the tasks he was involved in with an intensity of purpose, resolve, and dedication to what he considered to be proper and right. And one of his most important interests was in doing what he believed would better the lives of those around him. Serving as a member of the board of Supervisors of his county and as a Senator in the State legislature are just a few examples of how he did that. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of mission should live on as an inspiration to those he served.”
“Rocky De Witt was the type of official we should aspire to elect. I doubt that he had plans early in life to be a politician, but when presented with opportunities to run for office, he worked hard to be elected, and then he listened carefully to what his constituents were saying as he legislated. His common-sense approach will be deeply missed,” said Woodbury GOP Co-Chairwoman Suzan Stewart.
“I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Rocky De Witt. Rocky was a fighter, true winner, and a fierce defender for the Second Amendment as a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. As Rocky’s campaign treasurer, he was a true steward of all donations. Rocky didn’t lead by popular opinion alone, but by great example,” said Woodbury GOP Treasurer Jake Jungers.
“The passing of State Senator Rocky DeWitt is a heartbreaking loss for our community. Rocky faced cancer with remarkable strength, courage, and determination — an inspiration to all who knew him. He lived a life devoted to service, and even in the face of a devastating diagnosis, he never stopped showing up for others. His warm smile, jokes, and candid nature will be greatly missed. I pray that God brings peace and comfort to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him,” said Woodbury GOP Co-Chairwoman Casaday Loomis.
The Woodbury County Republican Party, its Executive Committee, and Central Committee are forever grateful for Rocky De Witt’s service to the people of Iowa, and expresses their deepest condolences to the entire De Witt family that survives him.
Statement from Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver:
Rocky was a passionate defender of the rights of the individual. From the Second Amendment, to life, and the right of Iowans to keep more of the money they earn, Iowans could count on Rocky to protect their life, liberties, and pursuit of happiness. This year he confidently and boldly led on the second passage of a constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority to raise income taxes. His closing remarks gave us all a view into what he valued:
‘The Iowa state constitution does not belong to this chamber, it doesn’t belong to the House, it doesn’t belong to the governor, it doesn’t even belong to the State of Iowa. It belongs to the people of this state. It belongs to the citizens of this state, and they have entrusted us to protect that Constitution. Why? It is a barrier between the citizens and government. It’s not a guardrail, not a little lowly speed bump, it’s a barrier that guarantees those folks that voted us in their freedoms, and freedom from excessive taxation is real.’
Rocky and I developed an uncommon bond as we both journeyed through cancer diagnoses together. He was loved by everyone in our caucus, and he will be deeply missed by all of us. He was part of our Senate Republican family, and we mourn with his family just as we would mourn any member of our own.
Statement from Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair:
I am privileged to have had the opportunity to serve with Senator De Witt. His common-sense approach and grounded demeanor were a great asset to our caucus, as he faithfully served the people of Senate District 1. Despite his painful battle with cancer, he was selflessly devoted to our state serving his constituents until the end. His legacy of public service to Woodbury County and the State of Iowa will continue to inspire me.
My heart goes out with deepest condolences to Rocky’s family, friends, and constituents. He will be greatly missed at the Capitol and at home. You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you work through this difficult time.
Statement from Governor Kim Reynolds:
Kevin and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a dear colleague and friend, Senator Rocky De Witt. Rocky spent a life dedicated to serving his neighbors in Northwest Iowa as a member of the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office before representing his constituents on the board of supervisors and, eventually, the Iowa State Senate. In just three years, Rocky made a profound impact in the state legislature, all while heroically battling cancer. Rocky was a dedicated husband and a loving father and grandfather. His family and friends remain in our prayers.
Statement from Republican State Senator Lynn Evans:
We came into the Senate as Freshmen together. He sat right behind me on the Senate floor our first two years. We had a number of conversations about legislation and life in general. You didn’t have to guess where Rocky De Witt stood on issues. He was always up front and honest in his beliefs. Rocky was in a great amount of pain this past legislative session, but he continued to show up and work hard for his constituents through it all. I’m proud to have called him a friend. He modeled what it meant to be a statesman for all of us. Rest in peace my friend.
Statement from State Senator Janice Weiner, who leads the Senate Democratic caucus:
My thoughts, and those of my Senate Democratic colleagues, are with the De Witt family this evening as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Sen. De Witt and I may not have agreed on every legislative issue, but I always respected his dedication to his work for the people of Iowa, even while battling his illness.
Statement from Democratic State Representative J.D. Scholten, who represents half of the area that De Witt represented:
Rocky and I were in separate chambers and separate political parties, but we both agreed that we preferred being back in Sioux City with our constituents. My prayers go out to his loved ones tonight.
Top photo was originally published on State Senator Rocky De Witt’s campaign Facebook page on April 16, 2025.